Holomua Marine Initiative Pāpio Grants 2025

The Holomua Marine Initiative’s Pāpio Grants, offered through the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF), support efforts aligned with Hawai‘i’s broader sustainability and conservation goals, including the Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative and the Aloha+ Challenge. These grants aim to enhance the management of nearshore marine areas through strong community engagement, stewardship, and co-management. The Holomua Marine Initiative, managed by the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) within the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, outlines four core strategies: place-based planning, responsible (pono) practices, monitoring, and ecosystem protection and restoration. This funding opportunity is focused on five priority areas: Capacity, Coordination, Data and Monitoring, Engagement, and Governance. Capacity projects may include leadership development, planning, or education. Coordination projects involve multi-agency and cross-sector partnerships. Data and Monitoring projects are geared towards improving data application in management and integrating traditional knowledge. Engagement focuses on awareness and outreach, while Governance supports policy development and advocacy to embed community priorities into decision-making. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or those applying through a qualified fiscal sponsor. Previous grantees must have completed final reporting requirements for any past Holomua Marine Initiative funding. Projects should be community-based and centered on co-management of nearshore marine environments. Federal entities are not eligible, and state or county agencies must partner with community organizations. Grant applications must be submitted through HCF’s online Grants Portal. The application includes sections on the program overview, organizational history and mission, problem or opportunity being addressed, proposed activities, expected outcomes, and a budget. Required documentation includes financial statements, board lists, and certification of the organization profile. Optional materials such as strategic plans and letters of support may also be submitted. Fiscal sponsors must provide a board resolution and sponsorship agreement, as well as IRS determination documentation. Applications for 2025 are due by 4:00 p.m. HST on June 27, September 26, or December 19. Funding decisions will be announced on July 31, October 31, and January 30, respectively. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded for projects lasting no more than one year. Recipients must submit interim and final reports. Evaluation criteria include alignment with the Holomua goals, capacity and partnerships, urgency and relevance of the problem, and soundness of the project’s financial and management plans. For further questions or guidance, applicants may contact Tiare Holm at 808-566-5573 or via email at tholm@hcf-hawaii.org. Neighbor Island residents can call toll-free at 1-888-731-3863. Technical assistance is available through the HCF helpdesk.